Disability, hate speech and social media: video replies to haters on TikTok

Introduction: In recent years, the spread of hate speech through social media has grown to become an increasingly worrisome problem in our societies. This study focuses on hate speech against people with disabilities. The objective is to analyze their video replies to haters on TikTok, considering aspects such as content, reach, interaction, engagement, tone and intentionality of the response itself. As well as to delve into the perspective of the authors of the video replies regarding hate speech and their stance towards this phenomenon. Methodology: The study includes a mixed methodology, consisting of content analysis of 64 TikTok video replies posted by users with disabilities in response to hate messages received on this social network, and 14 structured interviews to users among the profiles that integrate the sample. Results: The results reflect how, in addition to the negative comments, insults, belittling or mockery received by other groups, other content such as ableism or denial of disability is added. Conclusions y discussion: The findings agree that the expansion of hate speech is greater on TikTok and point to causes such as the age of the users of this social network, the algorithm operation or the anonymity allowed by the social media. Ways to reduce hate speech in social networks are explored, focusing on the legal framework, education and mental